Rooftop equipment support and method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

A roof equipment support includes a platform, a pair of sidewalls extending from the platform, and a top wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and offset from the platform. The platform, the pair of sidewalls, and the top wall define an interior cavity that extends a length of the support from a first end to a second end. A pair of strut extensions extend above the top wall, and each of the pair of strut extension include a hook at a distal end. The pair of strut extensions and the top wall define a substantially U-shaped channel that extends at least a portion of the length of the support, and the platform, the pair of sidewalls, the top wall, and the pair of strut extensions are unitarily formed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/935,423, filed Nov. 14, 2019 and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/018,008, filed Apr. 30, 2020, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

INTRODUCTION

Service piping may be installed in horizontal or substantiallyhorizontal orientations along roofs, floors, and other indoor or outdoorsurfaces. Such piping may include hot water (or steam) and chilled waterpiping for heating and cooling applications, respectively. Other servicepiping may include domestic hot water and cold water, storm drainage, orsewer piping. Additionally, specialty piping such as chemical and/or gaspiping for industrial processes may be installed, or electrical and/orcommunication conduits for fibers, wires, and cables may be installed.Furthermore, access ramps, maintenance platforms, and mechanical unitsmay also be installed on roofs, floors, and other indoor or outdoorsurfaces. Typically, all of these types of piping and equipment areinstalled above the surface along which they are routed to maintainrequired clearances, accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, andto increase visibility thereof to avoid damage.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the technology relates to a roof equipment supportincluding: a platform; a pair of sidewalls extending from the platform;a top wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and offset from theplatform, wherein the platform, the pair of sidewalls, and the top walldefine an interior cavity that extends a length of the support from afirst end to a second end; and a pair of strut extensions extendingabove the top wall, wherein each of the pair of strut extension includea hook at a distal end, wherein the pair of strut extensions and the topwall define a substantially U-shaped channel that extends at least aportion of the length of the support, and wherein the platform, the pairof sidewalls, the top wall, and the pair of strut extensions areunitarily formed.

In an example, at least one support wall is disposed within the interiorcavity, the at least one support wall at least partially defines atleast one lumen that extends the length of the support. In anotherexample, the at least one support wall extends between the pair ofsidewalls and defines at least partially an upper lumen and a lowerlumen of the at least one lumen. In yet another example, the at leastone support wall includes a pair of support walls in a substantiallyV-shaped configuration. In still another example, the at least onesupport wall is configured to support a load, and the upper lumen issized and shaped to receive a piping member that extends therethrough.In an example, a cross-sectional profile of the support is constantalong the length of the support.

In another example, the platform, the pair of sidewalls, the top wall,and the pair of strut extensions are formed from the same material in anextrusion process. In yet another example, an angle between the platformand each of the pair of sidewalls within the interior cavity is an acuteangle. In still another example, a width of the platform is greater thana spacing between the pair of sidewalls. In an example, the roofequipment support includes a roller element, the roller element includesa shaft insertable at least partially within the substantially U-shapedchannel and rotatable therein, and a diameter of the shaft is greaterthan a height of the pair of strut extensions above the top wall.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a roof equipment supportincluding: a monolithic body having a first end and an opposite secondend defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the monolithic body includes:a platform; a top surface; a first side surface; a second side surfaceopposite the first side surface; and a pair of strut extensionsextending upward from the top surface and each of the pair of strutextensions are disposed adjacent a respective side surface of the firstand second side surfaces, wherein each of the pair of strut extensionshave a hook at a distal end, and wherein a cross-sectional profile ofthe monolithic body is constant along the longitudinal axis.

In an example, the platform, the top surface, the first side surface,and the second side surface form a substantially trapezoidalcross-sectional profile. In another example, two or more lumens aredefined in the monolithic body and extending from the first end to thesecond end along the longitudinal axis, the two or more lumens aredisposed between the platform and the top surface, and between the firstside surface and the second side surface, and the two or more lumens areseparated by at least one support wall. In yet another example, the atleast one support wall is configured to support a load and defines apipe rest portion that is concave in shape. In still another example,each hook of the pair of strut extensions face each other. In anexample, the roof equipment support further includes a roller elementconfigured to be rotatably received at least partially between the topsurface and the pair of strut extensions, the roller element includes anelongated shaft with a diameter that is greater than a height of thepair of strut extensions above the top surface. In another example, theroller element further includes a pair of end caps that are configuredto couple to ends of the elongated shaft.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of manufacturingroof equipment supports including: preparing a material for extrusion;extruding the material through a die, wherein the extrusion forms anelongated support having a platform, a pair of sidewalls extending fromthe platform, and a top wall extending between the pair of sidewallssuch that an interior cavity is formed, the elongated support also has apair of strut extensions extending from the top wall such that asubstantially U-shaped channel is formed opposite the interior cavityrelative to the top wall; and cutting the elongated support to lengthand generating a plurality of roof equipment supports having a samecross-sectional profile.

In an example, a first roof equipment support of the plurality of roofequipment supports has a length that is different than a second roofequipment support of the plurality of roof equipment supports. Inanother example, the method further includes: cutting a plurality ofelongated shafts to substantially match the cut length of the pluralityof roof equipment supports, wherein the plurality of elongated shaftshave a diameter that is greater than a height of the pair of strutextensions above the top wall; and forming a plurality of end caps eachhaving an enlarged flange and a post extending therefrom, wherein thepost is configured to be coupled to an end of the plurality of elongatedshafts to form a roller element that is rotatably supported at leastpartially within the substantially U-shaped channel of the plurality ofroof equipment supports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings examples that are presently preferred,it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to theprecise arrangements and configurations shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art rooftop equipment supportsystem.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary rooftop equipment support.

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the rooftop equipment support shownin FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rooftop equipment support shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 with a roller element.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of another roller element thatcan be used with the rooftop equipment support shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another rooftop equipment support.

FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the rooftop equipment support shownin FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rooftop equipment support shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 supporting piping in a first configuration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the rooftop equipment support shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 supporting piping in a second configuration.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of another roller element thatcan be used with the rooftop equipment supports described herein.

FIG. 11 is an exploded side view of the roller element shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturingroof equipment supports.

FIG. 13 is an end elevation view of another rooftop equipment support.

FIG. 14 is an end elevation view of another rooftop equipment support.

FIG. 15 is an end elevation view of another rooftop equipment support.

FIG. 16 is an end elevation view of another rooftop equipment support.

FIG. 17 is an end elevation view of another rooftop equipment support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art rooftop equipment supportsystem 100. The system 100 includes a base member 102 and a strut member104. The base member 102 is positioned on an underlying surface such asa roof and is typically formed from a plastic- or rubber-based materialin a block like shape via a molding process. The strut member 104 iscoupled to the top of the base member 102 and is used to support therooftop equipment, such as, piping and/or a portion of a platform ormechanical unit. The strut member 104 is usually formed from a metalsheet, folded over into an open channel shape with inwards-curving lipsconfigured to receive interconnecting components. Additionally, thestrut member 104 has holes of some sort in the base and to facilitatecoupling the strut member 104 to other discrete components (e.g., thebase member 102). The rooftop equipment can be secured to the strutmember 104 by a strut securement element (not shown) that secures withinthe strut channel. The strut member 104 is typically formed from adifferent material than the base member 102, such as, a metal-basedmaterial. In the prior art example, the strut member 104 is removablycoupled to the base member 102 by one or more bolt connectors 106. Forexample, a threaded bolt extends from the strut member 104 and throughthe top of the base member 102. A nut threads onto the bolt and isdisposed within an interior cavity of the base member 102. In otherexamples, studs or screws can be used to attach the strut member 104 tothe base member 102.

During installation of the prior art system 100, because the base member102 and the strut member 104 are formed from different materials andprocesses, the installers are required to assemble the system 100 bycoupling the strut member 104 to the base member 102. This requirementincreases the installation costs of using the prior art system 100,often significantly because the system 100 is assembled on-site orassembled in a factory and shipped as an assembled component.Additionally, because the base member 102 is typically formed via amolding process, its length L is set so that shorter lengths L are notpossible, and in order to get longer lengths L, two or more base members102 are required to be placed next to one another with the strut member104 spanning between. This configuration requires that the strut member104 not only accommodate the strut securement element for the rooftopequipment, but also have adequate structural strength to resist shearand bending loads applied onto the strut member 104 by the equipment.

Furthermore, when the system 100 is used on roofs and other outdoorsurfaces, exposure to the outdoor elements (e.g., sun, rain, etc.)degrades the base member 102 and the strut member 104 differently. Thisreduces performance of the system 100 and can result in the entiresystem 100 needing replacement, while only one component piece isdegraded. For example, although plastic base members 102 are lightweightand inexpensive, plastic tends to deteriorate rapidly for a variety ofreasons including heat, moisture, sunlight, and physical stresses thatinduce cracking, distortion, and/or other plastic degradation. Inanother example, rubber base members 102 are known to deteriorate andripple when exposed to the elements. While metal strut members 104 cancorrode. Accordingly, improvements to rooftop equipment support systemsare desired.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary rooftop equipment support200. FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the rooftop equipment support200. Referring concurrently to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the support 200 includesa platform 202, a pair of opposing sidewalls 204, 206, and a top wall208. The pair of opposing sidewalls 204, 206 extend from one side of theplatform 202 and the top wall 208 extends between the pair of opposingsidewalls 204, 206 being offset from the platform 202. A pair ofopposing strut extensions 210, 212 extend from a respective sidewall204, 206 and above the top wall 208. In the example, the platform 202 isa solid plate and is configured to sit on top of the underlying surface,such as the roof. In alternative examples, the platform 202 may includeone or more openings (not shown) that allow the support 200 to besecured to the underlying structure with screws, bolts, or otherfasteners. In other examples, an underside of the platform 202 oppositeof the sidewalls 204, 206 may be coated with an adhesive. In still otherexamples, the platform 202 may include one or more elastic pads on theunderside bottom.

The sidewalls 204, 206 extend from the platform 202 and support the topwall 208 above the platform 202. The strut extensions 210, 212 extendabove the top wall 208 and each of the strut extensions 210, 212includes return hooks 214 at the distal ends. The strut extensions 210,212 and the top wall 208 define a substantially U-shaped channel 215formed as a strut member and used to support the rooftop equipment suchas piping and/or a portion of a platform or mechanical unit. The rooftopequipment can be secured to the support 200 by a strut securementelement (not shown) that engages with the return hooks 214 and withinthe U-shaped channel 215. Generally, the strut channel is used to mount,brace, support, and connect structural loads in building construction.Equipment can be attached to the strut channel with a bolt and channelnut (not shown). Round objects such a piping or cables can be attachedwith straps (not shown) that have a shaped end retained by the channel.Other attachment and securement systems that facilitate couplingequipment to the U-shaped channel 215 is also contemplated herein.

The size of the U-shaped channel 215 can be that of commonly known strutmembers. For example, 1⅝ inch by 1⅝ inch square width and height, with ⅜inch return hooks 214 and an opening of ⅞ inch, a half-height of 1⅝ inchwidth and 13/16 inch height, or any other size as required or desired.Additionally or alternatively, the size of the U-shaped channel 215 canbe customized and non-standard. In aspects, the strut extensions 210,212 may be inwardly offset from the sidewalls 204, 206 on the top wall208 to achieve the required or desired size of the U-shaped channel 215.

The platform 202, sidewalls 204, 206, and top wall 208 form an interiorcavity 216 and are utilized to raise the strut extensions 210, 212 andU-shaped channel 215 above the platform 202. One or more support walls218 may be disposed within the interior cavity 216 and extend betweenone or more of the platform 202, sidewalls 204, 206, and top wall 208.The support walls 218 are used to increase the structural strength ofthe support 200. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the support walls 218extend between the sidewalls 204, 206 and the top wall 208. In theexample, the platform 202, sidewalls 204, 206, and top wall 208 form abase member and are positioned on an underlying surface, such as, theroof. In the example, the platform 202, sidewalls 204, 206, top wall208, support walls 218, and strut extensions 210, 212 are all integralwith one another.

In the example, the sidewalls 204, 206 may extend at an angle 220 fromthe platform 202 such that the interior cavity 216 has a substantiallytrapezoidal shape. As such, the angle 220 is an acute angle. The supportwalls 218 are disposed within the cavity 216 and form a plurality oflumens 222. By forming a plurality of lumens 222 through the support200, the amount of material used to form the support 200 is reduced andthe weight of the support 200 is reduced. This enables the support 200to be cost efficient during manufacturing and shipping, while alsomaintaining its structural strength during use. In the example, twolumens 222 are formed proximate the top wall 208 via the support walls218. It should be appreciated, that the sections of the support 200 cantake any shape and/or size that enables the support 200 to function asdescribed herein, and FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate only one possibleexample.

In the example, the support 200 is a unitary component that is formedfrom an extrusion manufacturing process. As such, the support 200 has afixed cross-sectional profile between ends 224, 226 that define a length228 of the support. The features of the support 200 extend the fulllength 228 of the support 200 so that the cross-sectional profile isconstant along the length 228. For example, the interior cavity 216 andthe U-shaped channel 215 extend the length 228 of the support 200 fromthe first end 224 to the second end 226. In another example, the lumens222 and the strut extensions 210, 212 extend the length 228 of thesupport 200 from the first end 224 to the second end 226.

Because the support 200 is unitary and an extruded component, thesupport 200 is formed from a single material, unlike the prior artsystem described above in reference to FIG. 1 . This feature does notrequire on-site or factory assembly of two or more components, and assuch, reduces installation costs. Furthermore, the support 200 wearsfrom environmental considerations more evenly since it is formed from asingle material and not a combination of materials. In an aspect, theplatform 202, the sidewalls 204, 206, the top wall 208, the strutextensions 210, 212, and the one or more support walls 218 are unitarilyformed from the same material and in an extrusion process. By “unitary,”it is meant that the support is formed as a single or uniform entity andnot assembled from a plurality of separate components. In the example,support 200 is formed from a metal-based material (e.g., aluminum,steel, and the like) and the extrusion process can be performed with thematerial hot or cold. By using a metal-based material, weather does notwear the support 200 as much as the prior art. It should be appreciated,that other materials (e.g., polymer, ceramics, etc.) can alternativelyor additionally be used for the support 200 as required or desired. Instill other examples, the support 200 can be additively manufactured(e.g., 3D printed) as required or desired to form the unitary support.

In the example, the support 200 is formed without joints or seams and isa monolithic body. By having the unitary support 200 without connectionjoints and surfaces, the structural strength of the support 200 isincreased when compared to the prior art system illustrated in FIG. 1 .Additionally, the unitary one-piece support 200 does not require anyassembly during installation, thereby reducing the installation costs ofthe support 200 when compared to the prior art. Furthermore, by using anextruded manufacturing process, the length 228 between the ends 224, 226of the support 200 can be cut to the required or desired size for use,unlike the prior art support as described above in FIG. 1 . This furtherincreases the performance and cost efficiencies of the support 200.Also, the U-shaped channel 215 is supported by the platform 202,sidewalls 204, 206, and support wall 218 along its entire length 228(unlike extending a strut between two bases), such that its structuralstrength in resisting shear and bending forces increases.

In the example, the support 200 has a height 230 that is defined fromthe platform 202 to the top of the strut extension 210. In an aspect,the height 230 can be approximately 4-inches. In other examples, theheight 230 can be shorter or greater than 4-inches as required ordesired and by decreasing or increasing the cross-sectional profile sizeof the support 200. The shape and members of the support 200 allow forit to be scaled up or down easily so as to configure the height 230without needing many, if any, other design changes.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rooftop equipment support 200 with aroller element 300. Certain features of the support 200 are describedabove in reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , and thus, not necessarilydescribed further below. In some examples, the roof equipment supportedon the support 200, such as piping or cables, may require axial movement(e.g., due to thermal expansion) so as to decrease stress on theequipment. As such, the roller element 300 is configured to be rotatablysupported on top of the support 200 and freely rotate relative thereto.The roller element 300 includes an elongated cylindrical shaft 302 thatis supported within the U-shaped channel between the top wall 208 (shownin FIG. 3 ) and the strut extensions 210, 212. A length of the shaft 302can be selectively cut to match the length 228 (shown in FIG. 2 ) of thesupport 200. The shaft 302 has a diameter that is greater than a heightthat the strut extensions 210, 212 extend above the top wall 208 so thatthe equipment can be supported directly on the roller element 300 andaxial movement is enabled. As such, the spacing between the strutextensions 210, 212 is greater than the height that the extensions 210,212 extend above the top wall 208. To prevent the shaft 302 from slidingout the ends 224, 226 of the support 200, the roller element 300 caninclude enlarged end flanges 304. In the example, the flanges 304substantially cover the ends of the strut extensions 210, 212 and thetop wall 208 so that the roller element 300 cannot slide out one of theends 224, 226 of the support 200. Rather, the roller element 300 needsto be inserted and removed from the top of the support 200.

In the example, the platform 202 has a width 232 that extendssubstantially orthogonal to the length 228 of the support 200. Thesidewalls 204, 206 are inwardly offset from the outermost edges of theplatform 202 such that flanges 234 are defined on the platform 202. Theflanges 234 are the portions of the platform 202 that extend out fromthe sidewalls 204, 206. The width 232 and the flanges 234 of theplatform 202 allow for the support 200 to withstand greater overturningforces induced from the axial movement of the equipment supportedtherefrom.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of another roller element 400that can be used with the rooftop equipment support 200 (shown in FIGS.2 and 3 ). In this example, the roller element 400 includes a pair ofcaps 402 that are configured to couple to the ends of the support 200.For example, the caps 402 can couple to one or more of the extensions210, 212 and/or the top wall 208 of the support (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). One or more rotatable shafts 404 extend between the caps 402 and aredisposed at least partially within the U-shape channel of the support200 and rotatable relative thereto as described above. In one example,the shaft 404 can have open ends that are received by a post (not shown)extending from the cap 402 so as to retain the shaft 404 within thesupport and allow rotation thereof.

In this example, the shaft 404 can also be divided into two or morediscrete portions separated by one or more spacers 406. These portionsof the shaft 404 can be of similar or different lengths and enable twoor more equipment members to independently move relative to each otherand the support as required or desired. The spacers 406 can include apost 408 that is substantially rounded to receive a portion of the shaft404. The spacers 406 can also include a divider 410 that can be snappedin-between the strut extensions 210, 212 to retain the spacer 406 andshaft portions 404 in place relative to the support 200. The divider 410of the spacer 406 also allow for separating the two or more equipmentmembers placed on the support 200. It should be appreciated that whiletwo shafts 404 are illustrated in FIG. 5 , the roller element 400 caninclude any other number of independent and discrete shafts as requiredor desired.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another rooftop equipment support 500.FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the rooftop equipment support 500.Referring concurrently to FIGS. 6 and 7 , and similar to the supportdescribed above, the support 500 includes a platform 502, a pair ofopposing sidewalls 504, 506, and a top wall 508. A pair of opposingstrut extensions 510, 512 with return hooks 514 extend from a respectivesidewall 504, 506 and above the top wall 508. The strut extensions 510,512 and the top wall 508 form the U-shaped channel 515 corresponding tothe strut member and used to support the rooftop equipment such aspiping and/or a portion of a platform or mechanical unit. The platform502, sidewalls 504, 506, and top wall 508 form an interior cavity 516and are utilized to raise the strut extensions 510, 512 above theplatform 502. One or more support walls 518 are disposed within theinterior cavity 516 and extend between one or more of the platform 502,sidewalls 504, 506, and/or top wall 508. The support walls 518 are usedto increase the structural strength of the support 500. Additionally, inthis example, the support walls 518 are load bearing and are configuredto support a load like roof equipment (e.g., piping) as required ordesired. The cross-sectional shape of the support 500 enables thesupport to be manufactured by an extrusion-based process as describedherein.

In the example, there are two support walls 518 in a substantiallyV-shaped configuration. The support walls 518 extend from the sidewalls504, 506 within the interior cavity 516 at a location between theplatform 502 and the top wall 508, and the support walls 518 are coupledtogether at a pipe rest portion 520. In the example, the pipe restportion 520 is curved with concavity in an upwards direction, relativeto the platform 502. In other examples, the pipe rest portion 520 may beformed from a planar and substantially parallel segment, relative to theplatform 502, of the support walls 518. The pipe rest portion 520 israised above the platform 502 at a height 522 that is less than a height524 of the top wall 508. In an aspect, the height 522 of the pipe restportion 520 may be about half of the height 524 of the top wall 508. Inother aspects, the height 522 of the pipe rest portion 520 may be lessthan half of the height 524 of the top wall 508. In still other aspects,the height 522 of the pipe rest portion 520 may be greater than half ofthe height 524 of the top wall 508.

The support walls 518 divide the interior cavity 516 in two lumens, forexample, an upper lumen 526 and a lower lumen 528. The upper lumen 526is sized and shaped to receive piping and/or conduit such that the roofequipment is raised above the underlying surface. In an aspect, across-sectional area of the upper lumen 526 is less than across-sectional area of the lower lumen 528. In other aspects, thecross-sectional areas of the upper lumen 526 and the lower lumen 528 canbe about equal. In still other aspects, the cross-sectional area of theupper lumen 526 is greater than the cross-sectional area of the lowerlumen 528. By using two support walls 518, the amount of material usedto form the support 500 is reduced and the weight of the support 500 isreduced. This enables the support 500 to be cost efficient duringmanufacturing and shipping, while also maintaining its structuralstrength and two different support locations during use.

In the example, the support 500 is a unitary component that is formedfrom an extrusion manufacturing process. As such, the support 500 has afixed cross-sectional profile along its length 530 from a first end 532to a second end 534 and is formed from a single material. The support500 has a monolithic body 536 with a longitudinal axis 538 definedbetween the ends 532, 534. The body 536 includes the platform 502 thatdefines the bottom surface of the support 500. The body also includes atop surface 540 and a pair of opposing side surfaces 542, 544 thatextends at least partially between the platform 502 and the top wall508. The strut extensions 510, 512 extend upward from the top surface540 and each of the strut extensions 510, 512 are disposed adjacent therespective side surface 542, 544. The hooks 514 face each other. Thelumens 526, 528 are defined in the body 536 and extend along thelongitudinal axis 538 from the first end 532 to the second end 534. Thelumens 526, 528 are disposed between the platform 502 and the topsurface 540, and between the side surfaces 542, 544. The cross-sectionalprofile of the support 500 as illustrated in FIG. 7 is constant alongthe longitudinal axis 538 and the entire length 530 of the body 536.

In the example, the platform 502, top surface 540, and side surfaces542, 544 form a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional profile. Awidth 546 of the platform 502 is greater than a spacing 548 between thesidewalls 504, 506 proximate the platform 502. Additionally, a width 550of the top wall 508 is less than the spacing 548.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rooftop equipment support 500supporting piping in a first configuration. As described above, the topwall 508, strut extensions 510, 512, and return hooks 514 form aU-shaped channel strut member that is used to support the rooftopequipment, such as piping and/or a portion of a platform or mechanical.As illustrated, a first piping member 552 can be supported on theU-shaped channel strut member and on top of the hooks 514 in a directionthat is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the length 530 ofthe support 500. A strut securement element 554 is configured to engagewith the strut member (e.g., slide within and underneath the hooks 514)so as to secure the first piping member 552 on top of the hooks 514.

A second piping member 556 can also be supported by the support 500. Thesecond piping member 556 extends through the upper lumen 526 and issupported on the support walls 518. The second piping member 556 extendsin a direction that is substantially parallel to the length 530 of thesupport 500 and substantially orthogonal to the first piping member 552.Because the support walls 518 are lower than the top of the hooks 514,the second piping member 556 is lower than and offset from the firstpiping member 552 so that each pipe can run in different andsubstantially orthogonal directions. It should be appreciated, thatwhile two piping members 552, 556 are shown in FIG. 8 , the support 500can be utilized to support only the top piping member 552, or two ormore top piping members, or only the bottom piping member 556, or two ormore bottom piping members, as required or desired.

The upper lumen 526 is sized and shaped to receive the piping member 556that extends therethrough. The support walls 518 are configured tosupport the load from the piping member 556. By “load bearing,” it ismeant that the support walls 518 are an active structural element of thesupport 500 and supports the weight of the equipment mounted above it.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the rooftop equipment support 500supporting piping in a second configuration. As illustrated, the firstpiping member 552 is supported on the strut member and on top of thehooks 514 in a direction that is substantially parallel to the directionof the length 530 of the support 500. One or more straps (not shown) canbe used to secure the first piping member 552 on top of the hooks 514and the strut member. The second piping member 556 can also be supportedby the support 500. The second piping member 556 extends through theupper lumen 526 and is supported on the support walls 518. The secondpiping member 556 extends in a direction that is also substantiallyparallel to the length 530 of the support 500, and thereby,substantially parallel to the first piping member 552. Because thesupport walls 518 are lower than the top of the hooks 514, the secondpiping member 556 is lower than and offset from the first piping member552 so that each piping member can run substantially parallel to oneanother, but at different heights. It should be appreciated, that whiletwo piping members 552, 556 are shown in FIG. 9 , the support 500 can beutilized to support only the top pipe member 552 or only the bottom pipemember 556 as required or desired.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of another roller element 600that can be used with the rooftop equipment supports described herein.FIG. 11 is an exploded side view of the roller element 600. Referringconcurrently to FIGS. 10 and 11 , and as described above, the roofequipment (e.g., piping) supported on the supports may require axialmovement (e.g., due to thermal expansion) so as to decrease stress onthe equipment. As such, the roller element 600 is configured to berotatably supported on top of the supports at least partially within theU-shaped channel and freely rotate relative thereto. This enables forpiping that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the length of thesupport to axially move as required or desired. An example, of a rollerelement supported on a support is illustrated in FIG. 4 and describedabove.

In the example, the roller element 600 includes an elongated cylindricalshaft 602 and enlarged end caps 604. The shaft 602 is substantiallytubular and has a length 606. In other examples, the shaft 602 may takeon any other shape as required or desired. The length 606 of the shaft602 can be selectively cut to substantially match the length of thesupport. Additionally, the shaft 602 has a diameter that is greater thanthe height of the strut extensions of the support above the top wall sothat at least a portion of the shaft 602 extends above the top of thesupport and the piping is directly supported on the shaft 602, not thehooks. The end caps 604 have an enlarged flange portion 608 and a post610 extending therefrom. The post 610 is shaped and sized to be receivedat least partially within the ends of the shaft 602 so that the end caps604 can be coupled to the shaft 602 and form the roller element 600. Theflange portion 608 is configured to prevent the shaft 602 from slidingout of the ends of the supports. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 , theroller element 600 is formed from two or more components (e.g., shaft602 and end caps 604) coupled together. In other examples, the rollerelement can be formed as a unitary element with the shaft and enlargedflanges formed together as a single component. For example, the rollerelement 300 (shown in FIG. 4 ) may be a unitary component.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 700 ofmanufacturing roof equipment supports, for example, the supportsdescribed above. The method 700 begins with preparing a material forextrusion (operation 702). In an aspect, the material can be ametal-based material like aluminum, steel, and the like. Other materialsare also contemplated herein. The material is then extruded through adie (operation 704). In an example, the die is configured such that theextrusion forms an elongated support body having a platform, a pair ofsidewalls extending from the platform, and a top wall extending betweenthe pair of sidewalls such that an interior cavity is formed. Theelongated support also has a pair of strut extensions extending from thetop wall so that a substantially U-shaped channel is formed opposite ofthe interior cavity relative to the top wall. The elongated supportformed is cut to length so that a plurality of roof equipment supportshave the same cross-sectional profile (operation 706).

By forming the roof equipment support by extrusion, the body of thesupport is unitary and monolithic, thereby increasing its strength andlife cycle. Additionally, the cut length of the support can be selectedas required or desired without needing to change the cross-sectionalprofile of the body. For example, a first cut roof equipment support canhave a length that is different than a second cut roof equipmentsupport.

In an aspect, the method 700 can further include cutting a plurality ofelongated shafts to substantially match the cut length of the pluralityof roof equipment supports (operation 708). For example, the elongatedshafts have a diameter that is greater than a height of the pair ofstrut extensions above the top wall. Additionally, a plurality of endcaps are formed having an enlarged flange and a post extending therefrom(operation 710). The post is configured to be coupled to an end of theplurality of elongated shafts to form a roller element, such as theroller elements described herein. The roller element is configured to berotatably supported at least partially within the substantially U-shapedchannel of the plurality of roof supports.

FIGS. 13-17 are described below and illustrate further cross-sectionalconfigurations that can be utilized for the rooftop equipment supportdescribed herein. Similar to the supports described above, a U-shapedchannel forms a strut member to support the rooftop equipment thereon.However, the unitary support body can additionally or alternatively takeon different shapes and configurations. In the examples, thecross-sectional profile of the body still enables extrusionmanufacturing so that the support can be cut to length as required ordesired.

FIG. 13 is an end elevation view of another rooftop equipment support800. In this example, three or more sidewalls 802 can be used. Thisconfiguration defines two or more lumens 804 below a U-shaped channel806 that are shaped and sized to receive and support a pipe member. Thelumens 804 enable two adjacent and parallel pipe members (not shown) tobe supported by the support 800 and below the U-shaped channel 806.

FIG. 14 is an end elevation view of another rooftop equipment support900. In this example, a single sidewall 902 can be used to support aU-shaped channel 904 above a base 906. In an aspect, a height 908 of thesupport 900 may be between about 2-4 inches. In some examples, athickness of the sidewall 902 can be increased compared to the base 906and/or the U-shaped channel 904 to increase the structural strength ofthe support 900.

FIG. 15 is an end elevation view of another rooftop equipment support1000. In this example, a sidewall 1002 includes webbing members 1004proximate a base 1006 to increase the structural strength of the support1000. A U-shaped channel 1008 is supported by the sidewall 1002.

FIG. 16 is an end elevation view of another rooftop equipment support1100. In this example, sidewalls 1102 are oriented in a substantialX-shape providing a brace configuration for a U-shaped channel 1104. Twolumens 1106 are also formed.

FIG. 17 is an end elevation view of another rooftop equipment support1200. In this example, a base 1202 can be split into two discretemembers and one for each sidewall 1204. As such, a gap 1206 is definedwithin the base 1202 and between the members.

The materials utilized in the supports described herein may be thosetypically utilized for building hardware component manufacture. Materialselection for most of the components may be based on the proposed weightof the pipe and/or equipment, installation conditions, safetyguidelines, etc. Appropriate materials may be selected for the supportsused on particularly heavy or large pipes and equipment, as well as onpipes and equipment subject to certain environmental conditions (e.g.,moisture, corrosive atmospheres, UV exposure, etc.). Aluminum, steel,stainless steel, zinc, or composite materials can be utilized.

While there have been described herein what are to be consideredexemplary and preferred examples of the present technology, othermodifications of the technology will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from the teachings herein. The particular methods of manufactureand geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not tobe considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured in theappended claims all such modifications as fall within the spirit andscope of the technology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured byLetters Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in thefollowing claims, and all equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A roof equipment support comprising: a platform;a pair of sidewalls extending from the platform; a top wall extendingbetween the pair of sidewalls and offset from the platform, wherein theplatform, the pair of sidewalls, and the top wall define an interiorcavity that extends a length of the support from a first end to a secondend; at least one support wall disposed within the interior cavity,wherein the at least one support wall at least partially defines atleast one lumen that extends the length of the support, and wherein theat least one support wall includes: a first end extending from a firstsidewall of the pair of sidewalls at a first height above the platform;a second end extending from a second sidewall of the pair of sidewallsat a second height above the platform; and a central portion at a thirdheight above the platform, wherein the central portion is curved withconcavity in an upwards direction relative to the platform and the thirdheight is different from at least one of the first height or the secondheight; and a pair of strut extensions extending above the top wall,wherein each of the pair of strut extension comprises a hook at a distalend, wherein the pair of strut extensions and the top wall define asubstantially U-shaped channel that extends at least a portion of thelength of the support, and wherein the platform, the pair of sidewalls,the top wall, and the pair of strut extensions are unitarily formed. 2.The roof equipment support of claim 1, wherein the at least one supportwall defines at least partially an upper lumen and a lower lumen of theat least one lumen.
 3. The roof equipment support of claim 2, whereinthe at least one support wall comprises a pair of support walls in asubstantially V-shaped configuration.
 4. The roof equipment support ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one support wall is configured to supporta load, and wherein the upper lumen is sized and shaped to receive apiping member that extends therethrough.
 5. The roof equipment supportof claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional profile of the support is constantalong the length of the support.
 6. The roof equipment support of claim1, wherein an angle between the platform and at least one of the pair ofsidewalls within the interior cavity is an acute angle.
 7. The roofequipment support of claim 1, wherein a width of the platform is greaterthan a spacing between the pair of sidewalls.
 8. The roof equipmentsupport of claim 1, further comprising a roller element, wherein theroller element comprises a shaft insertable at least partially withinthe substantially U-shaped channel and rotatable therein, and wherein adiameter of the shaft is greater than a height of the pair of strutextensions above the top wall.
 9. A roof equipment support of claim 1,wherein the platform defines flanges that extend outwards from the pairof sidewalls.
 10. The roof equipment support of claim 1, wherein thefirst height and the second height are equal.
 11. A roof equipmentsupport comprising: a monolithic body having a first end and an oppositesecond end defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the monolithic bodycomprises: a platform; a top surface; a first side surface; a secondside surface opposite the first side surface; a pair of strut extensionsextending upward from the top surface and each of the pair of strutextensions is disposed adjacent a respective side surface of the firstand second side surfaces, wherein each of the pair of strut extensionshas a hook at a distal end, and wherein a cross-sectional profile of themonolithic body is constant along the longitudinal axis; at least onelumen defined in the monolithic body and extending from the first end tothe second end along the longitudinal axis; and at least one supportwall disposed within the at least one lumen, wherein the at least onesupport wall includes: a first end extending from the first side surfaceat a first height above the platform; a second end extending from thesecond side surface at a second height above the platform; and a centralportion at a third height above the platform, wherein the centralportion is curved with concavity in an upwards direction relative to theplatform and the third height is different from at least one of thefirst height or the second height.
 12. The roof equipment support ofclaim 11, wherein the platform, the top surface, the first side surface,and the second side surface form a substantially trapezoidalcross-sectional profile.
 13. The roof equipment support of claim 11,wherein the at least one lumen comprises two or more lumens, wherein thetwo or more lumens are disposed between the platform and the at leastone support wall and the top surface and the at least one support wall.14. The roof equipment support of claim 13, wherein the at least onesupport wall is configured to support a load and defines a pipe restportion.
 15. The roof equipment support of claim 11, wherein each hookof the pair of strut extensions faces the other hook of the pair ofstrut extensions.
 16. The roof equipment support of claim 11, furthercomprising a roller element configured to be rotatably received at leastpartially between the top surface and the pair of strut extensions,wherein the roller element comprises an elongated shaft with a diameterthat is greater than a height of the pair of strut extensions above thetop surface.
 17. The roof equipment support of claim 16, wherein theroller element further comprises a pair of end caps that are configuredto couple to ends of the elongated shaft.